Lawrence County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lawrence County in 2026
LawrenceCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information that may include divorce records and related court documents filed in Lawrence County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and other court-generated materials. Record categories that may be available include divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Availability and completeness of records may vary depending on the filing date and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's office, the Alabama Court Information System, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Alabama Department of Public Health's vital records division. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Lawrence County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Lawrence County Circuit Court maintains an online presence through which members of the public may access general case information. As noted by the Circuit Clerk's office, "Most trial court information may be obtained through www.alacourt.gov using the link 'Just One Look' for On-Demand access to Alabama State Trial Court Records." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified document copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Alabama Court Information System (ACIS) provides a consolidated statewide portal. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions using the Sandra Parker Ligon – Lawrence County Circuit Clerk page for guidance on accessing the statewide system. This portal allows searches by party name, case number, and filing date across Alabama's trial courts.
3. State Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health registers divorce certificates as vital records. Members of the public may request a divorce certificate through the Alabama Department of Public Health – Lawrence County office or through the statewide divorce certificates portal. These certificates confirm that a divorce occurred but contain less detail than full court case files.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Lawrence County Circuit Court:
- Address: Lawrence County Courthouse, 14330 Court Street, Moulton, AL 35650
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (256) 974-2454
- Services:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Lawrence County Health Department (Vital Records):
- Address: 14300 Court Street, Moulton, AL 35650
- Phone: (256) 974-4159
- Services:
- Certified divorce certificates
- Verification of divorce for remarriage or legal purposes
By Mail
Written Request to the Circuit Clerk:
- Mail to: Lawrence County Circuit Clerk, 14330 Court Street, Moulton, AL 35650
- Include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Circuit Clerk: (256) 974-2454
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Alabama may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing to the court. Attorneys may also assist in locating records across multiple counties when the county of filing is uncertain. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and county of marriage
- Prior addresses of either spouse
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Under Alabama Code § 30-2-4, a divorce action must be filed in the county where the defendant resides, or, if the defendant is a nonresident, in the county where the complainant resides. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Alabama law requires that at least one party have been a bona fide resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing. The action is filed in the county of that party's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time and a special request to the Clerk's office.
- Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at (256) 974-2454
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records division
- Consult a licensed Alabama attorney for complex searches
What Are Lawrence County Divorce Records?
Lawrence County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Thirty-Sixth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. These records are maintained by the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable state law.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files contain the complete record of a dissolution proceeding, including:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support, if ordered
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Any court-ordered name restoration
- Certified copies are available from the Circuit Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure records, property appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title proceedings
- Estate planning and probate matters
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Lawrence County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates as vital records under a separate registration system. The Circuit Clerk's office indexes records by the names of both parties and assigns a unique case number to each proceeding.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code § 30-2-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, procedural requirements, and the authority of the circuit courts to dissolve marriages. Public access to court records is governed by the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration and the state's open records framework.
Are Lawrence County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lawrence County are public court records under Alabama law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted.
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access upon court order.
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted.
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records.
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted.
- Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluations may be sealed by court order.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law.
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lawrence County?
The Lawrence County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. The following fee structure reflects current rates applicable to divorce records:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Court seal/certification | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee (in-person) | No charge for basic name search |
| Divorce certificate (ADPH) | $15.00 (includes one certified copy or Certificate of Failure to Find) |
As stated by the Alabama Department of Public Health, "The fee to search for a divorce certificate is $15.00, which includes one certified copy of the record or a 'Certificate of Failure to Find.'" Members of the public requesting divorce certificates through the ADPH vital records division must submit payment by check, money order, or credit card as directed by that office.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person at the Clerk's office)
- Check or money order payable to Lawrence County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with the Clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to reduced or waived copy fees. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must file the appropriate motion with the court prior to requesting records.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case status and docket information through the Alabama Court Information System
- In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lawrence County
A complete Lawrence County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Clerk from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents members of the public may encounter.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. Alabama recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce under Alabama Code § 30-2-1. The Response filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaims for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business financial statements where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, support, and child-related matters
- Mediation agreements, if the case was mediated
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all final orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) directing the division of retirement plan benefits
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
Confidential or Redacted Information:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lawrence County
Proof of divorce in Lawrence County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the Circuit Clerk, or a certified divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Clerk):
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution directly from the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk. This document bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, and other legal purposes.
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk
14330 Court Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-2454
Lawrence County – Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama
Steps to obtain a certified copy:
- Identify the case number using the online case search or by contacting the Clerk's office.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office.
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce.
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees.
- Receive the certified document in person or by mail.
Divorce Certificate (Alabama Department of Public Health):
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates as vital records for divorces granted in Alabama. A divorce certificate provides confirmation that a divorce occurred and includes the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of the decree. It does not contain the full terms of the divorce.
Lawrence County Health Department
14300 Court Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-4159
Alabama Department of Public Health – Lawrence County
Members of the public may also submit requests directly to the ADPH Center for Health Statistics. The current fee for a divorce certificate search is $15.00, which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find if no record is located.
For uncontested divorce proceedings, the Uncontested Divorce Packet published by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides the standard forms used in Lawrence County proceedings, including the final decree template reviewed by the circuit court.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lawrence County?
A divorce proceeding in Lawrence County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by order of the circuit court upon a showing of good cause. Confidentiality is not automatic; it requires a formal motion and judicial approval.
The following circumstances may support a request for confidentiality or sealing:
- Domestic violence: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or the safety of a party or child may be sealed to protect the victim's location and personal information.
- Minor children: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children may be restricted under Alabama's child protection statutes.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition are restricted under state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Substance abuse records: Treatment records for substance abuse are protected under both state law and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms, though courts apply a balancing test weighing public access against privacy interests.
Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly sealed may file a motion to unseal with the circuit court.
How Long Does Lawrence County Keep Divorce Records?
Lawrence County divorce records are maintained as permanent court records under Alabama's records retention schedule. The following retention periods apply:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final divorce decree is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Alabama's general court records retention schedule, with many files retained permanently due to their legal significance.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from active storage after the retention period expires but are preserved in archival form.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same permanent retention applicable to final judgments.
- Vital records (divorce certificates): Divorce certificates registered with the Alabama Department of Public Health are retained permanently by the Center for Health Statistics.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials. Alabama's records retention requirements for court records are established under the authority of the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-17-94.